MoM to train 500 Omanis to take up senior-level positions

Omanisation in managerial positions got a further boost on Wednesday after H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower and Ibrahim Mohammed al Harthi, managing director and acting CEO of Takatuf, signed a pact to train 500 Omanis as part of the leadership programme.

Those who undergo training will eventually take over middle and senior level roles following a decision prohibiting hiring of expatriate manpower in the private sector in these positions.

Speaking to Muscat Daily
, Dr Amal Obaid al Mujaini, director general, Directorate General for Occupational Standards and Curricula Development, MoM, said that the aim of the programme is to empower leaders in the middle and higher management levels. “The first batch will have around 500 participants. The component of the programme will have different categories starting with lectures, practical exercises and on-job training.”

Dr Amal said that the idea is that Omanis will be empowered working with expatriates in the beginning. “We can say that this will help in improving the productivity of the company. Gradually more Omanis will join the workforce to occupy junior positions in place of those who have moved to senior positions.”

Mohammed al Busaidi, a member of Shura Council and head of the programme said, “We are targeting young Omanis to take up positions at the middle and higher levels in the private sector. Takatuf will take care of the training of first 500 people.”

Busaidi said that the total number targeted for this programme is 10,000 in the coming years. “We call for cooperation from the private sector because it is they who will employ Omanis. Companies will be required to nominate Omanis for this programme. After that, there will be assessments, tests and interviews.”

He said that candidates having degrees must have a minimum two-year work experience while those having diplomas must have four-year work experience. “The programme, which is part of Tanfeedh initiatives, will be fully funded by the government.”

Ibrahim al Harthi from Takatuf said, the programme will start with an assessment to select the right candidate. “The programme consists of three main elements spread over six-month period. It will involve executive coaching of candidates leading to their certification as leaders. The candidates will have to go through the filtration process.”